Prepare child for a coming sibling

Wednesday

May 28, 2008 at 12:01 AM

The arrival of a second baby can be very exciting. It can also be a difficult transition for the older sibling. With the demands of an infant, at times the older child may feel a bit left out and frustrated at having to share Mom and Dad, toys, and the life the child knew before the new baby arrived.

The arrival of a second baby can be very exciting. It can also be a difficult transition for the older sibling. With the demands of an infant, at times the older child may feel a bit left out and frustrated at having to share Mom and Dad, toys, and the life the child knew before the new baby arrived.

Today's reviewed books address some of the common trials an older child faces when the new baby arrives and as the baby grows. Such books can be instrumental for parent and child and act as a catalyst to helping both understand how to better overcome the occasional hurdles that a growing family experiences.

Siblings have a special bond, and with your help, the transition of adding new family members can be a positive, wonderful experience.

Annie Rose and her big brother are good friends. They play lots of games together. Sometimes, though, Annie Rose can be a pest when she wants to play with her big brother's toys or throws a temper tantrum in a public place.

But when Annie Rose cries or is upset, her big brother is the only one who can cheer her up. That's because "she's my little sister and I'm her big brother, and we'll go on being that forever "¦ even until we're grown up."

A wonderful, warm story of the special bond between siblings, this selection hits all the right chords.

Little Rabbit's mama is going to have a baby, and Little Rabbit is very excited! He plans all sorts of things he will teach the baby, like hopping and skipping. When the big day arrives, Little Rabbit can't believe his good luck. Mama had triplets; now Little Rabbit will have three times as much fun!

As soon as everyone is home, Little Rabbit springs into action to be a big brother. But everything Little Rabbit tries to do with the babies doesn't work out the way he planned. The babies take up all of Mama and Papa's time, and Little Rabbit feels left out.

One night, Mama and Papa can't get the babies to stop crying. Little Rabbit comes to the rescue, discovers that he can be a big help, and that he is just as important as the babies!

Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated, this upbeat book is delightful in every way.

Little Frog and his mom lived by the pond. They were very happy together.

One day Mom asked Little Frog if he'd like a baby brother or sister. Little Frog said he liked things the way they were — just the two of them. Not long thereafter, Little Frog was surprised at the arrival of lots and lots of brothers and sisters.

The frog babies grew, and soon they were making lots of noise and following Little Frog everywhere. Little Frog couldn't get a minute to himself and it was driving him crazy. Mom told Little Frog the babies wanted to be just like him. Little Frog soon discovered Mom was right, and that gave Little Frog an idea — one that changed everything.

A happy, positive story, "Fine As We Are" provides a satisfying look at making room for more siblings.